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The “Grand Dame” by the lake is getting ready for her 134th appearance at a Toronto tradition that doesn’t slow down.

The Canadian National Exhibition, also dubbed “the Ex” or “CNE,” opens Aug. 17. For kids growing up in the big city, this was a fun time, but also a sign of fall and back to school.

It’s where you rode your first rollercoaster, were scared out of your wits in the haunted house, learned how to drive by smashing up bumper cars, peered inside at the circus-like sideshows, ate candy floss and snow cones and were taunted by buskers yelling “one in, you win!" As if that could happen.

A favourite – or most irritating – hustler outside the “Pure Food” building sold “invisible dogs” in a plastic harness with a leash and yelled non-stop, “Doggie, doggie, who wants a doggie?”

Like it or love it now or as it was, the Ex, since 1879, is Canada’s largest fair, one of the top 10 in North America and attracted 1.3-million visitors last year.

Its roots are showing

Even though there are new attractions, exhibits and a wide range of performers, the Ex is “staying true to the fair’s roots,” says Annette Borger, media relations director.

“The CNE has maintained its long-standing traditions such as the Ambassador of the Fairs competition and PeeWee Baseball Tournament, which are in their 41st and 56th years, respectively,” she said.

There are also the horse and farm animal shows, the cat and Super Dogs events and a casino for cards and roulette gamers.

Over the Lake Ontario waterfront, the 63rd annual Canadian International Air Show soars over the Ex on Labour Day weekend.

This year, try the CNE Sky Ride, giving nice views of the grounds, lake and Toronto islands, while moving between the Princes’ Gates and BMO Field.

There’s also a new zip line and NITRO, where riders travel on tracks through twists, turns and steep drops in specially crafted Italian-made cars.

There will be a “Food Truck Frenzy,” on Aug. 24 to 26 with 17 of the rolling, yummy wagons near the Direct Energy Centre.

The Food Building has new sampling menus and 11 “gourmet fare” vendors. These include everything from tacos with Far East fillings, pulled meat sandwiches, organic and raw vegan food, loaded baked potatoes, Bacon Nation, big apple fritters and smoothies.

Returning are the Krispy Kreme burger, colossal onion, deep fried cola and deep fried mac’n’cheese as well as a ribfest daily (except Aug. 20 and 27) at Bandshell Park.

It’s only rock ‘n’ roll

Celebrating 50 years of the Rolling Stones, the Beatles and the Beach Boys, there’s an exhibit with photos, memorabilia and personal items of the three iconic bands.

An exhibit called Battleground CNE! The Military History of the CNE Grounds documents the Battle of York, one of the bloodiest battles of the War of 1812.

The kids are alright

There’s a “Fishing Friendzy” daily at the Farm that’s an interactive area to learn about fishing, nature, safety and the environment.

The young ones can meet favourite friends from Teletoon Live such as Barney, Bob the Builder, Thomas the Train and My Little Pony.

On selected days, there will also be Dora and Diego; Angelina Ballerina; Chuck the Dump Truck; Olivia the Piglet; and Jess from Guess with Jess.

IF YOU GO

The Ex is at Toronto's Exhibition Place along the waterfront.

Opening-day admission at the gate is $8, otherwise: $16, ages 14 to 59; $12, 60 and older and children, five to 13; no charge for children four and younger. A family pass is $48. See other special offers online. www.theex.com; (416) 393-6300